Epoch DragonFly E30 IQ5 -
Another entry in the Epoch DragonFly Gen5 lineup has met yet another need for another group of specific players. The E30 is for those guys who are just all palms. Got short fingers? This is the shaft for you. The DragonFly E shaft is definitely a different feel and has a shape to meet that niche of player who needs a smaller backed handle. In this case, our review team’s Andrew “Buffalo” McIntyre filled that role and quickly got to work testing every element of this handle that he could.
SHAPE 10 out of 10
The ergonomic shape of this handle definitely makes it not for everyone, but Epoch has never shot to have each of their handles meet everyone’s needs as opposed to making handles to meet specific groups of players' needs. The guys over at Epoch really look for individual perfected solutions and the feel of the E30 is a great example. For Andrew, the E30 fits perfectly into his hands with the offset shaping and reduced size along the back of the handle, giving him an increased feeling of control and comfort over the ball, 9 out of 10.
WEIGHT 9 out of 10
The Epoch E30 is an incredibly light handle. Andrew and I saw this as a 9 out of 10 with the weight moving up the comfort level when throwing dodges on defenders with fast hands.
GRIP 7 out of 10
The SlipGrip on the E30 is pretty unique to Epoch, giving an unprecedented level of feel. The grip did wear off throughout season though, more so than the other Gen 5 handles, docking it some ranking for grip, 7 out of 10.
DURABILITY 8 out of 10
The E30 is a solid handle and can take a ton of checks. Andrew, being a field attackman and a box player who knows how to get scrappy during a game, has really shot to test the durability of this handle. We noticed some bangs in the handle, but nothing too major. The reduced sizing on the back of the handle does give it a little less comfort on the durability side of things, 8 out of 10.
FLEX 10 out of 10
Epoch really shoots to dial in to the customer’s needs when it comes to the flex of their handles. A lot of time and money is spent here on this single factor and they really do get it right. “Palmy” guys tend to be your hard shooters from outside cranking corners and ripping nets. For this reason the E30 is a IQ5, giving it more stability on those harder shots and a consistent flex along the handle so you can dial in on any goalie while hiding the release point of the ball. All DragonFly Gen 5 handles have Epoch’s “Reload Technology” and man does it make a difference. When shooting, the shaft flexes as you power into the shot and then forces itself back to a straight shot as you snap your wrists, creating a faster, harder shot. This reload tech shows a different snap point per style but consistent snap across the same line of handles C, E, X etc. I don’t normally say a handle adds speed but in the case of Andrew with the E30 and James with the C30 (review to come), both experienced a couple mph raise in their shots. Andrew shoots in the mid to low 80’s and took just an hour or so to really dial his stick in once switching to the E30 for absolute value. 10 out of 10.
LOOKS 10 out of 10
For the minimalists out there less concerned with flash and more concerned with performance, Epoch has a nice look. For the guy who wants that flash, the 382c logo still pops, and when you’re scoring goals you will think this is the best looking handle you’ve ever had. The Epoch Line is simple when it comes to colors, almost always black with some limited edition colors and the 382c logo, which for everyone we show it to looks just absolutely perfect. 10 out of 10
OVERALL 8.8 out of 10
The E30 is definitely a niche market handle looking for guys with big palms and short fingers. Fortunately with our varied testing group, we had the opportunity to have Andrew test the E30, as this matches his description and made him the most comfortable with the stick. Epoch doesn’t hide the fact that their handles are really for the guys looking to be the best, work the hardest, and that each of their handles is designed to meet specific needs. The E30 also comes in an IQ9 format for that inside shooter looking to outmuscle the crease D. The E30 does this well and earns a very strong 8.8 out of 10.